Valery Gergiev, the artistic director and director of the Mariinsky Theatre, has voiced his support for the transfer of the cinema concert hall on the Kryukov Canal from the Lendok film studio to the Mariinsky Theatre. He believes this move will benefit the national treasury and preserve cultural heritage.

Gergiev stated that the Lendok building has historical ties to the Mariinsky Theatre, having hosted its masters in the past, including Fyodor Chaliapin. He emphasized the importance of such cultural venues being managed by institutions dedicated to preserving and strengthening them, rather than being used solely for profit.

He sees the transfer as part of a positive trend of returning cultural venues and architectural ensembles to the hands of cultural institutions, particularly after many fell into “unclear hands” in the 1990s.

This transfer comes amidst other recent moves, including the transfer of the Palace of Labor to Sergei Roldugin’s House of Music and the ten-year school at the Conservatory.

Separately, Gergiev also addressed the upcoming reconstruction of the historical stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. He stressed the need for adequate conditions to be created during the reconstruction process to ensure that performances can continue, particularly for young artists. He noted that the Mariinsky already has alternative venues, including a newer theater and a concert hall.

Gergiev clarified that the main stage of the Mariinsky Theater is not entirely historical, with a rehearsal section added in the 1960s. Specialists are currently analyzing the structure to determine the best approach for the reconstruction, which has been under discussion for several years. Plans include updating the architecture and reconstructing the extension to align with mid-19th century designs.